I too use a Garmin GPSmap 76s--a model discontinued now--.  I found that it
compares quite favorably with the Trimble GeoXT when coupled with a TDS
Recon data logger.  I would not recommend the Garmin as a stand-alone for
data recording, but it should do fine for everyday use.  If you want the
functionality of the GeoXT for about a thousand dollars less in price, go
with a good ($300+) Garmin and a TDS recon combo.

Trimble claims sub-meter accuracy for the GeoXT, but it isn't realistic.
I've checked my system and the Geo against my backpack Trimble.  They are
both typically accurate to about 1-3 meters.

The addition of the recon allows the use of rasters (including digital
orthophoto quads).  The Garmin comes with an internal highway map for the U.
S., but you will need to add street maps.  I also highly recommend you add
an external antenna.  The antenna is the strength or weakness of any GPS.
Accuracy entirely depends on signal strength and discrimination of bounced
signal.  I would consider battery life as the second most important factor.

Robert Marcom
www.crm-gis.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stephen Austin" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 8:24 AM
Subject: Re: GPS Addendum


>I missed the earlier(?) question so just flying blind - remember Garmin and
>Magellan cannot display raster data.  I don't think (last time I used one a
>few years back - a 76S) Garmin has 7.5 quads available for it (only
>150,000?) - and those are only vector.  If your quad level mapping is as
>out of date as some of ours and not been currently photo corrected -
>changes to landscape and shorelines could have you a long way from where
>you think you should be.
>
>   I know it is expensive but any of the current handheld Trimble GPS units
> (XH, XT, XM) can load gobs of data and layers from an ESRI type platform.
> There are some other GPS handheld similar to Timble that are cheaper -
> some down around $2400.00 bucks that can also load ESRI type data
> (although not as much).  We have XH and XM Trimbles that have the entire
> boundary as a line file around four different projects totaling some
> 400,000 acres, the on the ground boundary corner markers with cap
> information, shapefiles for cultural sites, raster data for both the quads
> as well as older and more recent image files so land form changes can be
> seen, bugs and bunnies data, whatever, and include the data tables as
> well.  They can't all be on at once but it is possible to have the three
> or four on at different visibilities so one can find exactly where one is
> supposed to be.  Of course, the ability to record a big chunk of data
> while out and about and use the library is a given.
>
>  Now - if you are looking to just navigate from your truck to the general
> vicinity of something - and then find your way back to the general
> vicinity of your truck - the any of the Garmin or Magellan products are
> perfectly capable.
>
>  Stephen
>
> mperdue <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>  Apparently, I needed some help in navigating Garmin's site. ;)
> I just found their selection of handhelds with optional map
> software, so I may have answered my own question. The eTrex
> looks nice. Still, any real world advice would be welcome.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Marty Perdue
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________
> Sent via the WebMail system at mail.nexet.net
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> S.P. Austin
>
>